Manawatu 20th Augt. Dr. Sir, I am looking forward most anxiously to a line or two from you respecting the Waikanae purchase, in the negociation for the purchase of the Land between Waikanae and Otaki, I have for the present failed, but I am rather pleased to have done so as it might have militated against the purchase of the Manawatu District which I am happy to say now looks very favourably Nepia and I am now on our Road to see the Hiriwanu Nepia wishes that the H. should sell his own land and himself receive the money but in this he has been driven by a feeling of jealousy to the Ngatitoa's and Ngatirakawa who have demanded of me that their claims should be first considered. Nepia has also expressed his determination as soon as the H's land is sold to allow of the Coast Block being also disposed of at least a portion of it. (He told me that he had written to you about paying his passage to Auckland, I fancy he is rather anxious to see the new king, I told him that I did not think that you would consent to this at present at least untill some arrangement had been come to about the Land here, considering his promise to you when here. He is also looking forward to an answer to his letter to you and I believe if unfavourable to his views that he will atonce consent to the sale of the land. I have scribbled this as I shall not have an opportunity of writing again for two or three weeks. Your's very truly, William N. Searancke Mr. Beetham a really good and practical surveyor has written to me offerring his services and I shall most decidedly accept of them as I shall not have such another chance W. S.